Spacecraft Structures Test Engineer

Apex Technology•Los Angeles, CA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Spacecraft represent the most pressing unmet need across the entire aerospace industry. As more launch vehicles come online and the cost to orbit decreases, more companies launching payloads to space continue to emerge. For the first time in history, this influx of payload companies combined with reduced launch costs has resulted in a massive increase in need for commercial spacecraft platforms, known as satellite buses. These buses hold the payloads of our customers and are flown on launch vehicles. Apex manufactures these satellite buses at scale using a combination of software, vertical integration, and hardware that is designed for manufacturing. Our spacecraft enable the future of society: ranging from earth observation to communications and more. We’d love for you to join us on our mission of providing humankind access to the galaxy beyond our planet. About the Role Spacecraft Structures Test Engineer Apex is looking for a Spacecraft Structures Test Engineer to own the validation of flight hardware from first build through system level testing. This is a highly multidisciplinary role focused on structural and mechanical testing, with strong crossover into electrical and system-level validation. You’ll work across mechanical, avionics, and production teams to define how we test, build the infrastructure to do it, and execute campaigns that prove our spacecraft in real environments.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or related engineering field
3+ years of experience in spacecraft, launch vehicle, or complex structural testing
Background designing large-scale structural test stands or load application systems
Strong fundamentals in structural mechanics, including strength, stability, and fatigue
Experience with structural analysis (hand calcs and/or FEM) and test correlation
Hands-on experience with instrumentation and lab equipment (strain, load, pressure, thermal measurements)
Experience designing, building, or operating structural test systems and hardware
Experience with test automation and scripting (Python or similar)
Ability to operate in fast-paced, high-ownership environments with evolving requirements

Nice To Haves

Experience with environmental testing (TVAC, vibration, shock, EMI/EMC)
Familiarity with NX/Teamcenter, Nastran, or ANSYS
Experience working with high-pressure or cryogenic systems

Responsibilities

Own structural test strategy and execution across components, subsystems, and fully integrated spacecraft
Develop and operate fluid, hydraulic, and pressurized systems, including high-pressure and cryogenic environments
Design and integrate data acquisition and instrumentation (strain gauges, load cells, pressure transducers, thermocouples)
Write and automate test procedures and scripts (primarily Python) for execution and data analysis
Lead test operations end-to-end, including setup, execution, and post-test review
Troubleshoot hardware and drive root cause analysis on structural test failures
Partner cross-functionally with design, analysis, avionics, and manufacturing to close the loop between test results and design

Benefits

Shared upside: Receive equity in Apex, letting you benefit from the work you create
Best-in-class healthcare: 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision for you and your dependents, plus $100k life insurance at no cost
Comprehensive PTO package to reset and recharge - starting at 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually, plus 10 paid holidays
Competitive 401(k) plan with generous matching - 100% match on first 3%, 50% on next 2%
8 weeks paid parental leave plus childcare reimbursement up to $350/day for work-related travel
Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day
Vibrant community: Monthly office BBQs, pickleball tournaments, run club, and social gatherings for you and your family
Your dream desk setup and all the tools you need to be your most productive self
World-class Playa Vista office with EV chargers, with the benefit of in-person collaboration with amazing coworkers and flexibility to integrate work and life
Real impact opportunity: Work alongside experts from aerospace, new space, and other cutting-edge industries to make a lasting difference